Coco first Italian to join Barcelona in 102 years

Francesco Coco has become the first ever Italian player to join Barcelona in the 102-year history of the Catalan club.

Written by NDTVSports

Read Time: 1 mins

Barcelona:

Francesco Coco has become the first ever Italian player to join Barcelona in the 102-year history of the Catalan club. The 24-year old full-back was presented at the Nou Camp on Thursday after completing a one-year loan deal from AC Milan.
Last season Coco scored one goal and set up the second as Milan beat Barcelona 2-0 to knock them out of the Champions League in the first group stage, but it was difference with the Italian club that forced him to leave.
"I didn't agree with the coach of AC Milan (Fatih Terim). I thought it would be better to make a change, and I had the opportunity to come to Barcelona. It is incredible for me. I think, on the balance of things, it was the right moment to change. I decided to leave one big team to join another another big team - so I am really happy," said Coco.
Coco first sprung to prominence in the spring of 1994, when he came into the AC Milan side for the injured Paolo Maldini. But he was plagued by knee injuries for almost two seasons.